Engagement Options

Engagement options define how and how often your agent communicates with constituents. These settings guide the types of messages the agent can send, the communication channels it can use, and the overall pacing of outreach.

After the automatic introduction message (which is always sent and can’t be disabled), the agent uses your selected options and each constituent’s details to determine the most appropriate next step.

Contact frequency

Choose the approximate number of engagements you'd like the agent to send to a constituent each year. Timing is personalized for each constituent and respects required spacing between messages.

• More often – About one engagement per month (approximately 12 per year)

• Standard – About one engagement every 6 weeks (approximately 8 per year)

• Less often – About one engagement every 8 weeks (approximately 6 per year)

The agent balances your selection with engagement history and recent activity to avoid over‑contacting constituents.

Engagement types

Engagement types define how your agent communicates with constituents over time. Each type represents a different goal in the relationship, such as building trust, encouraging participation, or making a financial ask.

1. For each engagement type:

   • Select Send <type> messages to allow the agent to use that type when communicating by email.

   • If SMS is enabled, select Allow SMS to permit messages of that type to be sent by text.

   • Cultivation - Build relationships and trust with prospects before asking for support. These messages introduce your mission, share updates, and establish a connection before any request for support is made.

   • Engagement - Invite constituents to get involved beyond giving, such as attending events, joining programs, or participating in other opportunities aligned with their interests.

   • Solicitation - Encourage constituents to give in support of your mission.

     How and when does the agent send a solicitation?

     The agent doesn't follow a fixed timeline or set number of messages before making an ask. Instead, it moves from early cultivation and engagement toward solicitation when appropriate. Solicitation is never the first communication an agent sends.

     Before making a solicitation, the agent considers available information from the constituent’s record, such as interactions, engagement history, and other signals. This helps ensure requests feel timely, relevant, and respectful rather than automatic or premature.

     Under Donation form, select an option:

     • Blackbaud donation form — The agent automatically creates a form on your behalf, and all of the following:

       • An Optimized Donation Form

       • A Development Agent Fund designation assigned to the form

       • A branding card (automatically selected)

       • A confirmation email with placeholder content

       To review or update the form, go to Online Giving from the omnibar.

       Note: This option requires payment processing configured in Blackbaud Merchant Services.

     • External donation URL — Enter a donation page URL in the Link to form field. Links that exceed the SMS 160‑character limit are sent by email.

   • Stewardship - Thank and recognize donors after they give. These messages show appreciation, reinforce impact, and help donors feel valued and connected to your organization. Thank You communications are scheduled to send 48 hours after a donation, leaving 48 hours for review.

2. Select Save.